The US Senate has just passed the Travel Promotion Act which will allow various schemes to go ahead all of which are designed to encourage visitors to come to the US and make them feel more welcome once they arrive. So far, so good.
It is intended that the scheme will be funded 50/50 by the government and the travel industry. The government will contribute $100m subject to businesses contributing another $100m. It is slightly unclear how the government will raise the money from the travel industry but, unfortunately, it is absolutely clear where the government’s own $100m will come from.
There will be a new $10 per person levy on visitors from most countries that are members of the visa-waiver programme.
So, we will be paying an extra $10 a head to be made to feel welcome.
Frankly, I would feel more welcome without yet another tax…
